I have been asked by someone at work to come up with a device that=20
provides feedback on 'thrust' power for a swimmer, namely his 14 y.o son.

My first problem is defining what I'm actually measuring - I'm unsure=20
whether I should consider - force, acceleration, timed position or drag the=
=20
inverse of thrust.

The main thing to detect is the power the swimmer can provide due to the=20
way the hands or legs are used. Pushing off from the side of the pool or=20
after turning is not important in respect of movement momentum.

At the moment I'm thinking one of the following sensors might be the=20
ticket, but until I can decide what I'm actually trying to measure I'm=20
going nowhere. Cost is not a great problem, but $50-100 is probably what=20
would be considered reasonable.

Sensors:

Accelerometer - g-force or change in velocity or pressure.

Flexible resistance wire - wired to arm and/or leg - effort equals change=20
in resistance.

Stretch sensor fabric - to work similar to the above but woven into an arm=
=20
or elg band to be less of a problem and drag to the wearer.

I have already checked that tying his son to a spring scale is not=20
acceptable! :)

Any suggestions welcomed.

Thanks

Colin

--
cdb,   22/06/2012
=20
--




colin@btech-online.co.uk

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